{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}

{{quote|'''Glorfindel''' was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength.|[[The Fellowship of the Ring]], ''[[Many Meetings]]''}}

−

'''Glorfindel''' ([[Sindarin|S]] "golden haired", pron. {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindel]}})<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}, page 17.</ref> was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

+

'''Glorfindel''' ([[Sindarin|S]] "golden haired", pron. {{IPA|[ɡlorˈfindel]}})<ref name="PE17">{{PE|17}}, page 17.</ref> was one of the mightiest [[Elves]] of [[Middle-earth]] in the [[Third Age]]. He was distinctive because of his return to [[Middle-earth]] after death, acting as an emissary of the [[Valar]], on a similar mission to the [[Istari]] who were to come several thousand years later.

==History==

==History==

===Early History===

===Early History===

−

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown. He was of the host of [[Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

+

Glorfindel was born in [[Valinor]] sometime during the [[Years of the Trees]]. His parentage is unknown. He was of the host of [[Turgon]], who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of [[Fëanor]]. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the [[Kinslaying of Alqualondë]].

===Gondolin===

===Gondolin===

−

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine “as a field in spring”. His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

+

After the [[Exile of the Noldor]] Glorfindel’s history is obscure. As a great follower of Turgon he was appointed chief of the [[House of the Golden Flower]], one of the [[Twelve Houses of the Gondolindrim|Twelve Houses]] of [[Gondolin]]. He was dearly loved by all the [[Gondolindrim]], and went about in a mantle embroidered in threads of gold, diapered with celandine "as a field in spring". His vambraces were [[Uncommon words#damask|damascened]] with "cunning gold".

−

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered) to hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[Dragons|dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel, with some of the strongest of his followers, cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]], ambushing their pursuers. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

+

[[File:Jenny Dolfen - Glorfindel and Ecthelion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Glorfindel and Ecthelion'', as drawn by [[Jenny Dolfen]].]]He witnessed the coming of [[Tuor]] and later the [[Fall of Gondolin]]. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered) to hold the [[Great Market]] from the advancing [[orcs]]. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing [[Dragons|dragon]] came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel, with some of the strongest of his followers, cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the [[House of the Harp]] arrived in time, after rebelling from their treacherous leader [[Salgant]], ambushing their pursuers. The Golden Flower arrived at the [[Square of the King]], one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

−

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and King Turgon was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

+

As many of the lords had fallen, [[Ecthelion]] was wounded, [[Galdor of the Tree|Galdor]] was engaged, and [[Egalmoth]] had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the [[Alley of Roses]], breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them [[Gothmog (balrog)|Gothmog]]. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and King Turgon was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via [[Idril's Secret Way]], and passed through the [[Cirith Thoronath]], Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

−

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

+

[[File:Ted Nasmith - Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin.jpg|thumb|right|150px|''Glorfindel and the Balrog Above Gondolin'' by [[Ted Nasmith]].]]It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, [[Idril]], and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to ''[[The Fall of Gondolin]]'' Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by [[Thorondor]], and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

===Re-embodiment and Return===

===Re-embodiment and Return===

−

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the maiar.

+

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the [[Halls of Mandos]], where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against [[Morgoth]]. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the maiar.

−

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Gandalf|Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after [[the One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

+

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the [[Maia]] [[Gandalf|Olórin]]. Eventually, [[Manwë]] sent him across the [[Belegaer|sea]] to [[Middle-earth]], possibly as early as [[Second Age 1200]], but more likely in [[Second Age 1600|1600]] with the [[Blue Wizards]]. If the latter date, he arrived just after [[the One Ring]] had been forged, [[Barad-dûr]] built, and [[Celebrimbor]] dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid [[Gil-galad]] and [[Elrond]] in the struggle against [[Sauron]]. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in [[Eriador]] and the other struggles of the [[Second Age]] and [[Third Age]]. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

===Third Age===

===Third Age===

−

[[File:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anna Lee]].]] Glorfindel may have greeted his friend [[Gandalf|Olórin]] (to be known as [[Gandalf]]/[[Mithrandir]]) in [[Mithlond]] in [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. As the few remaining great Elves of Middle-earth took ship to Aman or fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

+

[[File:Anna Lee - Glorfindel.jpg|thumb|left|''Glorfindel'' by [[Anna Lee]].]] Glorfindel may have greeted his friend [[Gandalf|Olórin]] in [[Mithlond]] around [[Third Age 1000|1000]] of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. Over time, as the few remaining great Elves of Middle-earth took ship to Aman or fell one by one, only [[Galadriel]], [[Celeborn]], [[Elrond]], and [[Círdan]] were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the [[Battle of Fornost]]. Upon the humiliation of [[Eärnur]] before the [[Witch-king]], Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

−

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after [[the One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

+

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-[[War of the Ring]] struggles, after [[the One Ring]] had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from [[Rivendell]] by Elrond to search for the [[Ring-bearer]]. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the [[Nazgûl|Ringwraiths]], as he had great presence in both the [[Seen]] and [[Unseen]] worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, [[Frodo Baggins]], and his friend [[Aragorn]] with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, [[Asfaloth]], and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the [[Ford of Bruinen]], but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

−

After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

+

After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the [[Council of Elrond]], playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of [[Tom Bombadil]] and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the [[Fellowship of the Ring]], but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of [[Mordor]], on a mission of secrecy.

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns.{{fact}} It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and [[the One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

+

During the [[War of the Ring]] nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns.{{fact}} It is possible that he went to [[Lothlórien]] and fought actively in the [[Rhovanion Campaign (WotR)|war of Rhovanion]], perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the [[Fall of Dol Guldur]]. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the [[Wedding of Elessar]], to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the [[Elves]] was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the [[Three Rings]] and [[the One Ring]]. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

==Attributes==

==Attributes==

−

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

+

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of [[Gondolin]], who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of [[Tuor]] and [[Idril]], accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "''would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank''". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

Line 76:

Line 76:

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. While writing the ''Lord of the Rings'' Tolkien simply borrowed a name from his earlier [[legendarium]], something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. While writing the ''Lord of the Rings'' Tolkien simply borrowed a name from his earlier [[legendarium]], something he was known to do. ''[[The Peoples of Middle-earth]]'', published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the ''[[Last Writings]]'' published in that volume, there are two long essays, ''Glorfindel I'' and ''Glorfindel II''. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

−

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

+

{{quote|. . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . .|''[[Last Writings]]'', Glorfindel II}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

{{quote|. . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on [[Númenor]]. . .|Ibid.}}

Revision as of 08:21, 12 May 2013

"Who told you, and who sent you?" — Gandalf
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"Glorfindel was tall and straight; his hair was of shining gold, his face fair and young and fearless and full of joy; his eyes were bright and keen, and his voice like music; on his brow sat wisdom, and in his hand was strength."

Glorfindel (S "golden haired", pron. [ɡlorˈfindel])[2] was one of the mightiest Elves of Middle-earth in the Third Age. He was distinctive because of his return to Middle-earth after death, acting as an emissary of the Valar, on a similar mission to the Istari who were to come several thousand years later.

History

Early History

Glorfindel was born in Valinor sometime during the Years of the Trees. His parentage is unknown. He was of the host of Turgon, who was one of the most determined and unrepentant followers of Fëanor. Nevertheless Glorfindel himself was reluctant; only for his allegiance and kinship with Turgon did he go, and had no part in the Kinslaying of Alqualondë.

He witnessed the coming of Tuor and later the Fall of Gondolin. During the ensuing battle in the streets, Glorfindel chose (or was ordered) to hold the Great Market from the advancing orcs. He attempted to flank them, taking the enemy by surprise, but was himself ambushed and surrounded. Cut off, the House of the Golden Flower fought on fiercely for hours, until a fire-breathing dragon came and leveled their ranks. Glorfindel, with some of the strongest of his followers, cut his way out, but the survivors of that battle were very few. Even then they were pursued and might have all been killed, but the House of the Harp arrived in time, after rebelling from their treacherous leader Salgant, ambushing their pursuers. The Golden Flower arrived at the Square of the King, one of the last of the Houses to be driven in.

As many of the lords had fallen, Ecthelion was wounded, Galdor was engaged, and Egalmoth had not yet arrived, Glorfindel joined Tuor in leading the defense of the King’s Square. When Egalmoth arrived, bringing with him many women and children, he took over Glorfindel’s job in going from place to place, strengthening the defenses. Glorfindel presumably threw himself once more into the thick of the fight. But even he could not prevent a dragon from coming down from the Alley of Roses, breaking through their lines. The dragon was accompanied by orcs and balrogs, among them Gothmog. Even Tuor was thrown down, but Ecthelion sacrificed himself to kill Gothmog and buy the Gondolindrim a little more time. When the Gondolindrim fled southward, and King Turgon was slain, Glorfindel held the rear manfully, losing many more of his House in the process. After they had escaped Gondolin via Idril's Secret Way, and passed through the Cirith Thoronath, Glorfindel again held the rear with the largest number of the unwounded.

It was at that time that a balrog and a contingent of orcs ambushed their company. Glorfindel there accomplished his greatest deed, for he saved the lives of Tuor, Idril, and all the company when he defied the balrog. They fought long. According to The Fall of Gondolin Glorfindel stabbed it in the belly, but as the balrog fell it reached out and grabbed his long golden hair, pulling him back down over the edge of the cliff. He perished in the fall, but his body was borne up by Thorondor, and buried him with a mound of stones in the pass. On that mound grew yellow flowers (possibly celandine), despite its remote location.

Re-embodiment and Return

Glorfindel’s spirit passed to the Halls of Mandos, where he waited with the spirits of the other Noldor who had died during their war against Morgoth. But because of Glorfindel’s noble actions in life, his reluctance at the Exile, and his furthering of the purposes of the Valar by saving Tuor and Idril, he was re-embodied after only a short time. He had redeemed himself, and was purged of any guilt. Not only did his sacrifice get him an early pardon, it earned him great powers, so that he was almost an equal to the maiar.

Glorfindel spent several hundred years in Valinor, during which time he became a friend and follower of the MaiaOlórin. Eventually, Manwë sent him across the sea to Middle-earth, possibly as early as Second Age 1200, but more likely in 1600 with the Blue Wizards. If the latter date, he arrived just after the One Ring had been forged, Barad-dûr built, and Celebrimbor dead or soon to be so. While the Blue Wizards were sent to the east, Glorfindel’s mission was to aid Gil-galad and Elrond in the struggle against Sauron. He played a prominent behind-the-scenes role in the war in Eriador and the other struggles of the Second Age and Third Age. His part, though great, was mostly overlooked by the histories, because his immense, angelic power was not usually displayed openly.

Third Age

Glorfindel may have greeted his friend Olórin in Mithlond around 1000 of the Third Age, who was on a similar mission to his own. Over time, as the few remaining great Elves of Middle-earth took ship to Aman or fell one by one, only Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond, and Círdan were left of the Wise. Glorfindel took a more active role, leading the Elven forces in the Battle of Fornost. Upon the humiliation of Eärnur before the Witch-king, Glorfindel bade him not pursue, and prophesied that the wraith would not fall by the hand of man.

His next appearance in the histories was during the pre-War of the Ring struggles, after the One Ring had been brought into the light once more. He was one of the elves dispatched from Rivendell by Elrond to search for the Ring-bearer. Elrond had chosen him partially because Glorfindel did not fear the Ringwraiths, as he had great presence in both the Seen and Unseen worlds. While on his perilous mission the Ringwraiths avoided him; he met five of them, and they fled at his presence. It was Glorfindel indeed who accomplished his mission and found the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins, and his friend Aragorn with him. Glorfindel put Frodo on his horse, Asfaloth, and upon the approach of the Ringwraiths ordered him to go on. The white horse bore Frodo to safety across the Ford of Bruinen, but Frodo, in a rash act of attempted heroism, turned around at the other side and defied the Nine. Glorfindel, expecting the flood that protected Rivendell to come down and smite the riders, revealed his power to the Riders, and drove them (willingly or not) into the River, where they were swept away by the ensuing waters.

After this adventure, he helped bear Frodo to Rivendell, where the wounded Ringbearer was tended to. Glorfindel attended the Council of Elrond, playing an active role in the conversation, speaking prophetically of Tom Bombadil and other matters with authority. Glorfindel stood beside Elrond and Gandalf as the backbone of the Council, laying out clearly their options. At first Glorfindel suggested that the Ring would be safe in the depths of the Sea, but the far-sighted Gandalf noted the change of landscapes, and the unforeseen possibilities that could bring the Ring forth once more in a hundred or even a thousand years in the future. In a hasty note Tolkien suggested that Glorfindel could tell of his ancestry in Gondolin, but this idea was disbanded. He was briefly considered as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring, but as his friend Gandalf said, Glorfindel's power would be of little use against the might of Mordor, on a mission of secrecy.

Glorfindel by Ulla Thynell

During the War of the Ring nothing is said of Glorfindel. Doubtless he played as strong a role as he had in previous campaigns.[source?] It is possible that he went to Lothlórien and fought actively in the war of Rhovanion, perhaps even aiding Celeborn in the Fall of Dol Guldur. Whatever his role, his next mention in the texts is the Wedding of Elessar, to which he came from the north with Galadriel and Elrond. After that no more is said of him. Like Olórin, his task in Middle-earth was done, and the age of the Elves was over. He probably passed West, perhaps with the bearers of the Three Rings and the One Ring. Or he may have remained for a time in Middle-earth to oversee the cleanup after the war. It may even be speculated that he waited for the Blue Wizards, who were active in the east against Sauron, and departed with them even as he came.

Attributes

Glorfindel was an elf of great beauty, power, wisdom, and moral courage. He was clearly loved by the people of Gondolin, who mourned his passing greatly. He acted most courageously during the Fall, his House being among those that suffered the greatest losses, and eventually giving his own life for the safety of Tuor and Idril, accomplishing the designs of the Valar, though it was said that he "would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank". He was repentant of the rebellion of the Noldor, and took no part in the Kinslaying. His acts in the Third Age also show great presence and authority, as does the very fact that he was sent as an emissary of the Valar.

Etymology

Glorfindel means (S "golden haired", pron. [ɡlorˈfindel]). It is the Sindarin calque of Laurefindil[2] (Q: "golden head of hair", pron. N[ˌlaʊreˈfindil], V[ˌlaʊreˈɸindil]), which is made up of two components; laure means "golden color" and findil or findilë means "head of hair".

Controversy

Some have questioned whether Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same. While writing the Lord of the Rings Tolkien simply borrowed a name from his earlier legendarium, something he was known to do. The Peoples of Middle-earth, published posthumously, cast some light on this issue. Among the Last Writings published in that volume, there are two long essays, Glorfindel I and Glorfindel II. These were written later in life by Tolkien, and directly addressed whether the two Glorfindels were the same person. Both essays clearly indicated that they were the same person, and included a detailed discussion of 're-embodiment' in Tolkien's mythology.

". . . At any rate what at first sight may seem the simplest solution must be abandoned: sc. that we have merely a reduplication of names, and that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were different persons. This repetition of so striking a name, though possible, would not be credible… Also it may be found that acceptance of the identity of Glorfindel of old and of the Third Age will actually explain what is said of him and improve the story. . ."

". . . After his purging of any guilt that he had incurred in the rebellion, he was released from Mandos, and Manwë restored him… We may then best suppose that Glorfindel returned during the Second Age, before the ‘shadow’ fell on Númenor. . ."

― Ibid.

As Tolkien's legendarium was an evolving work that he constantly updated and revised, there will always be some question of "final intent". Some may note that the above-quoted essays were private and not ever published, and thus should not be taken as decisive. Nevertheless the editors of the Tolkien Gateway believe that these essays, combined with Tolkien's published novels, clearly establish that Glorfindel of Gondolin and Glorfindel of Rivendell were the same person.

Parentage

Due to his apparent nobility, it is possible that he was the son of one of Finwë’s daughters, Findis or Írimë. This would account for his distinctive golden hair as well, as Indis their mother was a Vanya. It would also make Glorfindel the possible uncle of Voronwë (who may have been the grandson of Írimë), the only surviving mariner who sought Valinor.

Also his name Glorfindel ("Golden-haired")[2][3] might be a hint to a possible Vanyarin heritage. Finarfin, Finrod, Galadriel and Idril are examples of other Noldorin descendants of Vanyarin intermarriage who inherited the same trademark golden hair to varying degrees. Nevertheless, his parentage is unkown and it will always be a matter of speculation, unless new manuscripts turn up, as Tolkien never explored that matter very deeply.

Earlier Versions of the Legendarium

Glorfindel was originally planned to be part of the Fellowship of the Ring, in a way taking the place of Legolas. Tolkien proposed three dates as to his return to Middle-earth: T.A.1000, with Gandalf, S.A.1200 and the years following, or S.A.1600. He dropped the first one after some thought, and though he declared the second possible, he favored the last as the most probable.

Portrayal in Adaptations

Glorfindel is rarely portrayed like in the book. His role in The Lord of the Rings is too small to be introduced and forgotten - he basically does little else beyond providing fast transport to Rivendell. In the more popular works, his role has been filled by another Elf.

Glorfindel appears in his original role at the Last Bridge, voiced by John Webb. Because the part of Gildor Inglorion was cut, the heavily wounded Frodo says the Quenya greeting Elen síla lúmenn' omientielvo to him, and Glorfindel replies with Gildor's answer. Glorfindel keeps his two Sindarin lines, A na vedui, Dúnadan! and Noro lim, noro lim, Asfatloth!, though he says them with a heavy English accent. His name is pronounced correctly in the adaptation, but in the credits, his name is pronounced "Glorfindle".

To limit the already large number of one-appearance characters, Glorfindel has been omitted in this adaptation as well. Peter Jackson decided, to have Arwen meet the travelers and then ride on Asfaloth.

Glorfindel appears on the Last Bridge. He has several Sindarin lines: A na vedui, Dúnadan, like in the book, and Mae govannen, mellon (which Frodo accurately translates as "Well met, friend"). He comes to the aid of the hobbits at the request of Elrond, who had received news from a group of Elves travelling near the Shire - even though there is no mention of that group earlier in the gameplay. Glorfindel does so in a monotonous voice, and his speech continues without pause. He also uses the lines Noro lim, Asfaloth, though he does not say them to his horse: he says them to Frodo. No actor is specified for this part.

Glorfindel played an important part in this video game, set during the War of the Ring. Together with Glóin of Erebor, Glorfindel fights in several places in northern Eriador and Rhovanion. He is voiced by Jason Carter, and portrayed as white haired. His design was changed to a more movie-accurate version in the expansion pack, The Rise of the Witch-king. He serves as narrator throughout, and appears in the story itself after the death of Arvedui.

Glorfindel can be found in Rivendell just south of the Last Homely House. He has long blonde hair and wears a white robe with purple belt. He is involved in some of the book quests for Shadows of Angmar. The player also talks to him after defeating the balrog Thaurlach.

Glorfindel is purchasable as an optional player character in DLC character pack 2 for use in free play and on the open world. He is portrayed with light tan hair (rather than yellow blonde like Legolas), wears an outfit which is a mix of light blue robe parts and silver armour whilst wearing a light blue cape. He wields a bow of the Galadhrim and also carries a golden Elvish longsword (all Elvish longswords appear gold in the game). Glorfindel is one of the most proficient fighter characters in the game.